Revises provisions relating to law enforcement on school property. (BDR 34-201)
Summary
AB 217 would restrict access to public school property and student information in immigration-enforcement situations. It prohibits school districts, public schools, and their employees from allowing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers or other federal officials enforcing immigration laws onto school grounds, buildings, or facilities unless they present a lawful court order or warrant. The bill also bars disclosure of a pupil’s education records, or information about the pupil’s family or household, to those federal officials except under a lawful court order or warrant.
The bill extends the information-sharing restriction to state and local law enforcement officers when they are engaged in immigration-law enforcement. It applies to school districts, public schools, charter schools, and university schools for profoundly gifted pupils, and it makes a knowing and willful violation subject to disciplinary action by the employing school district or school. The measure takes effect July 1, 2025.
Impact
AB 217 amends Nevada law in Chapter 388 of NRS by creating new limits on immigration enforcement activity at schools and on the disclosure of student-related information. It does not create a criminal penalty; instead, it relies on internal school-district or school disciplinary action for employees who knowingly and willfully violate the restrictions. The bill would affect school administrators, teachers, and other school employees, as well as federal, state, and local officers seeking access to school facilities or records in immigration-related investigations.
Sentiment
The bill appears to have received generally favorable support in the Legislature, passing the Assembly 31-11 and the Senate 14-6. The vote margins suggest meaningful support for the policy, though not unanimity. No committee transcripts were provided, so the available record shows support through final passage votes rather than detailed public debate.
Contention
The main point of contention is the balance between protecting students and families from immigration enforcement on school grounds versus allowing law enforcement access and information in immigration-related investigations. Opponents likely object to limiting cooperation with federal, state, or local immigration authorities, while supporters likely view the bill as necessary to keep schools safe and to protect student privacy and access to education. The inclusion of charter schools and university schools for profoundly gifted pupils, and the disciplinary consequence for employees, are also likely areas of operational concern for school districts.
Relating to the authority of the Wood County Central Hospital District of Wood County, Texas, to provide brain and memory care services to residents of the hospital district through the creation and operation of brain and memory health care services districts.